Adjustable measuring scoop

ABSTRACT

An adjustable measuring scoop including a movable partition that adjustably rotates on a rotating means such as an axle so as to result in a scoop size that can be selectively determined between a maximum and a minimum by ready manual manipulation of the scoop. The movable partition and rotating means are preferably configured so that the movable partition moves toward and away from the scoop&#39;s opening, permitting, e.g., a symmetric frontal contour that may be more effective in scooping from a container. Adjustment of the movable partition may also optionally be effected by means including a manual slide that has a linear and/or relatively short range of motion.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/765,294 entitled “Adjustable Measuring Scoop,” and filed onJan. 27, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of measuringdevices, and more particularly to a measuring scoop that can be adjustedto measure various specific amounts of materials such as cookingingredients.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Adjustable measuring devices exist, but with one or more drawbacks. U.S.Pat. No. 5,678,450 to Robbins et al. discloses an adjustable measurementcontainer in which the size of the scoop is adjusted by linearly slidinga sliding member that includes a covering portion (unnumbered) and apartition (dam 42). U.S. Pat. No. 6,125,699 to Molenaar discloses anadjustable measuring spoon in which the size of the scoop is adjusted byrotating a pivoting member that also includes a covering portion (gate23) and a partition (49). Use and/or cleaning of the Robbins (e.g., col.3, lines 28-31 and col. 4, lines 47-50) and Molenaar (e.g., col. 3,lines 40-45 and col. 4, lines 27-29) devices is made less convenient bytheir inclusion of the covering portions, which are evidently needed toinhibit spillage of material being scooped into the region of the spoonor scoop that is unused when a size other than maximum is selected.Additionally, adjustment of both devices requires a relatively longmanual motion to move from the minimum to maximum positions. Further,the front of the Molenaar measuring spoon is not symmetric since thepivoting member follows a curved path that is orthogonal to the generalintended direction of scooping.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an adjustable measuring scoop thatmay address one or more of the foregoing and/or other prior artshortcomings. An adjustable measuring scoop according to the presentinvention includes a movable partition that adjustably rotates on arotating means such as an axle so as to result in a scoop size that canbe selectively determined between a maximum and a minimum by readymanual manipulation of the scoop by a user. In one aspect of theinvention, the movable partition and rotating means are preferablyconfigured so that the movable partition moves toward and away from thescoop's opening, permitting, inter alia, a symmetric frontal contourthat may be more effective in scooping an ingredient, for example, fromthe bottom region of a container. In another optional separate aspect ofthe invention, adjustment of the movable partition is effected byoperation of means including a manual slide that has a range of motionthat is linear rather than arcuate, so as to permit more convenientmanual adjustment. In yet another separate optional aspect of theinvention, adjustment of the movable partition is effected by operationof means including a lever having a range of motion that is shortrelative to the resulting movement of the movable partition, so as topermit more convenient manual adjustment. In still another separateoptional aspect of the invention, the movable partition may beeffectively implemented without the need for an accompanying coveringportion, permitting a design in which scooping with and/or cleaning ofthe device may be cleaner and/or easier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-6 are views of a first embodiment of an adjustable measuringscoop of an embodiment of the invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded top perspective view;

FIG. 2 is an exploded bottom perspective view;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are top and bottom perspective views, respectively,showing the movable partition in a first open position; and,

FIGS. 5 and 6 are top and bottom perspective views, respectively,showing the movable partition in a second open position.

FIGS. 7-11 are views of a second embodiment of an adjustable measuringscoop of an embodiment of the invention, wherein:

FIG. 7 is a top view;

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view;

FIG. 9 is a rear view;

FIG. 10 is an exploded top perspective view; and,

FIG. 11 is an exploded side sectional view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A first preferred embodiment of an adjustable measuring scoop accordingto the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-6. Scoop 1 is a utensil preferablyused for measurement of quantities of materials such as cookingingredients or any other suitable items. The capacity of scoop 1 isadjustable to allow measurement of a range of quantities of materials.Scoop 1 is preferably made predominantly of molded plastic althoughother materials such as metal or aluminum can be used.

Scoop 1 generally comprises a bucket 2, an ergonomically shaped handle9, and a movable partition 21. The walls of the bucket 2 comprise afront/bottom portion 4 and side portions 6, with pedestals 3 provided atthe bottom of front/bottom portion 4 to permit the scoop to be rested ona suitable flat surface. The handle 9 also includes a finger rest 7provided with two guide slots 5, and the movable partition 21 includes alip 13 along its perimeter that snugly contacts the interior of thewalls of bucket 2.

The movable partition 21 is rotatably connected to a handle insert 32 onan axle 22 (preferably made of a suitable metal) within partition axleboxes 18 (which rest on abutments 31 of handle insert 32) and a bodyaxle box 30 (which fits within the space 19 between the partition axleboxes). The handle insert 32 also includes mating extensions 34 tosnugly secure it within the handle 9 of the scoop's body; the handleinsert 32 is preferably also glued or otherwise permanently secured inplace during assembly. A slide 26 is linearly slidingly secured betweenhandle insert 32 and the body of the handle 9 of scoop 1, and isrestricted to a linear path by the following elements: on its top, bytop supports 36 formed in the handle insert 32; on its bottom by bottomsupports 8; and, laterally, by side supports 35 within which the slide26 is laterally confined.

The slide 26 slides in response to a force applied forward or backwardby a user's finger (preferably thumb) on the portion of trigger 25protruding through aperture 33. Forward movement of the slide 26 forcesthe slide “T” 24 against the rear of the movable partition 21, causingthe partition 21 to swing upwardly toward the opening of the bucket 2 ofthe scoop 1. Conversely, backward movement of the slide 26 pulls theslide “T” 24 against guides 37, causing the partition 21 to swingdownwardly away from the opening of the bucket 2. These movements arealso facilitated by bushings 12 fitted on the ends of the slide “T” 24(which may include a metal component for durability) and run within theguides 37. To facilitate temporary securing of a desired position forthe movable partition 21 within the bucket 2, the slide 26 is providedwith locking extensions 27 having ribs 28 that mate with correspondinglocking grooves 38 formed into the handle insert 32. The locking grooves38 preferably include a number of positions associated with specificcorresponding adjusted sizes of bucket 2, and are dimensioned andconfigured together with the locking extensions 27 and ribs 28 to permitribs 28 to engage any of the locking grooves 38 securely enough topermit handling and transportation of the scoop 1 (without inadvertentmovement of the movable partition 21) while a load of material is inbucket 2 without the need for constant manual securing of any parts,while still permitting the ribs 28 to pass between the locking grooves38 upon application of a reasonable manual force on the trigger 25. Aswill be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the handleinsert 32 may also have reference indicia (not shown) aligned with thetrigger 25 in conjunction with which the selected size of the bucket 2is visually indicated to the user. The bucket 2 may also have referenceindicia (not shown).

As shown in the sequence of FIGS. 3-4 and 5-6, manual adjustment of thetrigger 25 back and forth causes the movable partition 21 to rotate backand forth on axle 22, with its lip 13 snugly sliding along thecomplementary interior surface of the fixed walls of the bucket 2. Thecurvature of the walls' front/bottom portion 4 is substantially definedby a portion of a cylinder of rotation about the axle 22, such that thepartition 21 can swing along the interior of the bucket 2 with a snugsliding fit that prevents material being measured from moving past thepartition 21 and entering the unused space on the side of the partition21 opposite the opening of the bucket 2. To facilitate a reliable snugsliding fit, the scoop 1 is preferably made of a durable and highstrength plastic that will not deform under normal operatingtemperatures and conditions, such as injection molded polycarbonate orABS plastic. Alternately, it could be formed substantially of stainlesssteel, or chrome-plated die-cast zinc.

A second preferred embodiment of an adjustable measuring scoop accordingto the invention is shown in FIGS. 7-11. Scoop 1A is likewise a utensilpreferably used for measurement of quantities of materials such ascooking ingredients or any other suitable items. Its capacity isadjustable to allow measurement of a range of quantities of materials,and it is preferably made predominantly of molded plastic. Scoop 1Agenerally comprises a bucket 2A, an ergonomically shaped handle 9A, anda movable partition 21A. The walls of the bucket 2A comprise afront/bottom portion 4A and side portions 6A, with pedestals 3A providedat the bottom of front/bottom portion 4A to permit the scoop to berested on a suitable flat surface. The handle 9A also includes a backwall 48, and the movable partition 21A with a lip 13A along itsperimeter that snugly and relatively hermetically contacts the interiorof the walls of bucket 2A. The handle 9A may also include a cylindricalinsert 47 with a passage 46 defined through it (such as for theattachment of a lanyard) and one or more fittings such as a metallicbezel 49.

The movable partition 21A is rotatably connected to a handle insert 32Aon an axle 22A (preferably made of a suitable metal) within partitionaxle boxes 18A (which rest on abutments 31A of handle insert 32A) and abody axle box 30A (which fits within the space 19A between the partitionaxle boxes). A slide 26A is linearly slidingly secured between handleinsert 32A and the body of the handle 9A, and is restricted to a linearpath therein similar to the description above of the embodiment of FIGS.1-6, including by bottom supports 8A within which the runner 45 of slide26A is laterally confined. The handle insert 32A is preferably alsoglued or otherwise permanently secured in place during assembly, and mayinclude printed and/or embossed metric and/or imperial measuringmarkings 51. The trigger 25A of slide 26A may also include one or more(e.g., raised and pointed) measuring indicators 44 so that a user canreadily reference the pertinent position on the markings 51. The bucket2A may also have reference indicia (not shown).

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the slide 26A slides in response to aforce applied forward or backward by a user's finger (preferably thumb)on the portion of trigger 25A protruding through aperture 33A. Forwardmovement of the slide 26A (which includes axle box 50) moves forward theconnector rear axle 42, which in turn moves forward connector 41 towhich it is attached, which in turn moves forward connector forward axle40 (which is attached to the connector 41 and to extensions 39 ofpartition 21A), which in turn moves forward the extensions 39 ofpartition 21A, causing partition 21A to pivot forward on axle 22A andswing upwardly toward the opening of the bucket 2A. Backward movement ofthe slide 26A causes the reverse of these movements. These movements mayoptionally be facilitated by fitting bushings where one or more axles(e.g., 40 and 42) make moving contact. Also, the parts may be configuredand dimensioned so that the forward tab 43 of slide 26A contacts therear of partition 21A throughout some portion of the partition's rangeof motion so as to provide an additional point of support for thepartition throughout that portion of range of motion. To facilitate areliable snug and relatively hermetic sliding fit between the lip 13A ofthe movable partition 21A and the complementary interior surface of thefixed walls of the bucket 2A as the partition rotates back and forth onaxle 22A, the scoop is preferably predominantly formed of a durable andhigh-strength material that (except for the material for lip 13A) willnot deform under normal operating temperatures and conditions. The lip13A is preferably formed of a relatively pliable but durable rubbermaterial, and the parts may also preferably be configured and chosen ofmaterials such that the fit between lip 13A and bucket 2A is at leastsnug enough to prevent unintended movement of partition 21A in responseto nominally small forces on trigger 25A and/or directly on partition21A. The materials and configuration may in fact be selected so as toprovide adequate snugness and hermeticity for the containment ofliquids.

Preferred embodiments of an adjustable measuring scoop have thus beendisclosed. It will be apparent, however, that various changes may bemade in the form, construction, and arrangement of the parts withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the formhereinbefore described being merely a preferred or exemplary embodimentthereof. Therefore, the invention is not to be restricted or limitedexcept in accordance with the following claims.

1. An adjustable measuring scoop comprising: a) a bucket including atleast one fixed wall and an opening; b) a movable partition providinganother wall for said bucket, said movable partition connected to saidscoop by a rotating means and having a range of motion; c) a handleconnected to said bucket; and, d) adjustment means for manually movingsaid movable partition on said rotating means so as to permit convenientselection of a desired scoop size within a maximum and a minimum size,by ready manual manipulation of said adjustment means.
 2. The adjustablemeasuring scoop of claim 1, wherein said rotating means is positionedsuch that said movable partition is movable toward and away from saidopening of said bucket.
 3. The adjustable measuring scoop of claim 2,wherein said bucket includes a front portion, and said front portion hasleft and right aspects that are substantially symmetric to one another.4. The adjustable measuring scoop of claim 2, wherein said rotatingmeans includes an axle and one or more axle boxes.
 5. The adjustablemeasuring scoop of claim 2, further comprising means for temporarilysecuring the position of said movable partition once a desired scoopsize has been selected.
 6. The adjustable measuring scoop of claim 5,wherein said means for temporarily securing includes grooves and ribs.7. The adjustable measuring scoop of claim 2, wherein said adjustmentmeans includes a manual slide that acts as a lever on said movablepartition so as to permit a range of motion along at least part of saidmovable partition that exceeds the corresponding range of motion of saidslide.
 8. The adjustable measuring scoop of claim 7, wherein saidadjustment means further includes one or more supports restricting saidrange of motion of said manual slide to a linear path.
 9. The adjustablemeasuring scoop of claim 1, wherein said adjustment means includes amanual slide and one or more supports restricting said range of motionof said manual slide to a linear path.
 10. The adjustable measuringscoop of claim 9, wherein said manual slide acts as a lever on saidmovable partition so as to permit a range of motion along at least partof said movable partition that exceeds the corresponding range of motionof said slide.
 11. The adjustable measuring scoop of claim 9, whereinsaid manual slide is at least partly located in said handle and includesa trigger, and said handle includes a trigger aperture.
 12. Theadjustable measuring scoop of claim 9, further comprising means fortemporarily securing the position of said movable partition once adesired scoop size has been selected.
 13. The adjustable measuring scoopof claim 9, wherein said rotating means includes an axle and one or moreaxle boxes.
 14. The adjustable measuring scoop of claim 9, wherein saidrotating means is positioned such that said movable partition is movabletoward and away from said opening of said bucket.
 15. The adjustablemeasuring scoop of claim 1, wherein said measuring scoop is configuredand formed of suitable materials so as to permit for the containment ofliquids.
 16. The adjustable measuring scoop of claim 15, wherein saidrotating means is positioned such that said movable partition is movabletoward and away from said opening of said bucket.
 17. The adjustablemeasuring scoop of claim 15, wherein said adjustment means includes amanual slide and one or more supports restricting said range of motionof said manual slide to a linear path.
 18. The adjustable measuringscoop of claim 17, wherein said rotating means is positioned such thatsaid movable partition is movable toward and away from said opening ofsaid bucket.
 19. The adjustable measuring scoop of claim 17, whereinsaid manual slide acts as a lever on said movable partition so as topermit a range of motion along at least part of said movable partitionthat exceeds the corresponding range of motion of said slide.
 20. Theadjustable measuring scoop of claim 15, further comprising means fortemporarily securing the position of said movable partition once adesired scoop size has been selected.